Daily routines are a helpful tool for both caregivers and dementia patients that provide a sense of comfort during the difficult time. When those living with Alzheimer’s have the structure in their lives, they develop long-standing habits, which can help with maintaining cognitive function.
Short-term memory often fades away first, but the deeply encoded habits remain intact even into the middle stages of the disease. Dementia patients find it hard to learn new activities and might struggle to complete unfamiliar tasks. The confusion can be avoided by sticking to the known environment, food, and activities.
Developing a daily routine
Things to consider
Alzheimer’s Association advises to consider exploring and adjusting a few things when making a routine plan:
The person's likes, dislikes, strengths, abilities, and interests
How the person used to structure his or her day
What times of day the person functions best
Ample time for meals, bathing, and dressing
Regular times for waking up and going to bed
Stay flexible
Once the routine is established, it is important to accommodate any changes if needed. As the disease progresses, the person may experience mood changes and fluctuations in cognition. Remember to stay creative and allow for spontaneous activities as well as rest if you see that they become overwhelmed or too tired.
Include physical and mental activities
In the last blog we covered the best exercises for older adults. Choose the activity that works for both dementia patients and you. Incorporating movement will help the brain form new connections and stimulate neuroplasticity. Even small walks or 5-minute yoga can improve physiological wellbeing.
To prevent mental decline it is important to incorporate cognitive training into everyday life. Playing trivia games and other forms of board games is not only fun, but also improves memory, concentration, and problem-solving skills.
Sign up for Mindmate today
Do you want to learn more about dementia and how to keep your cognitive functions fit and healthy? Sign up for our Mindmate app and enjoy brain games to improve your memory, exercises, and lifestyle hacks that can benefit your cognitive function. Sign up here.